Customer Quote by Thomas W. Lamont
“There has been a little distress selling on the stock exchange.”
About This Quote
Source Public statement to reporters during the 1929 Wall Street crash, October 1929
A Wall Street insider downplays a severe market selloff as minor even though forced selling signals desperation. His choice of words became remembered as an understatement during the 1929 crash.
In simple terms: A financial insider minimized a serious market panic.
Key Takeaway
Pay attention to understated financial language during crises.
Themes
finance
crisis
understatement
panic
power
Mood
ironic
grim
historical
Type
understatement
historical remark
When to use this quote
- analyzing financial news
- historical crash discussions
- investor education
- reading between the lines of official statements
Key Concepts
euphemism
market psychology
forced selling
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do authorities minimize financial distress?
- How can you distinguish calm leadership from denial?
A Different Perspective
Insiders may have used calm language to prevent further panic, yet such reassurance can obscure real dangers.
